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How can Myo-inositol help your Thyroid?

Posted on by Thyroid Information

Myo-inositol, known to some as Vitamin B8, is a type of sugar used as cure for many disorders. From diabetes to schizophrenia, myo-inositol can provide relief for a myriad of diseases. Outside its common indications, myo-inositol is said to be effective in curing thyroid disorders as well. If you are suffering from any of these maladies, then make sure to read on to know more about Myo-inositol and how it can boost your thyroid health.

What is Myo-inositol?

Myo-inositol is obtained from inositol, a pseudo-vitamin naturally occurring in food products such as beans, nuts, grains, and fruits. The myo-inositol content of the said produce is roughly 1 gram per serving.

While humans are capable of producing myo-inositol through carbohydrates, further studies suggest that Myo-inositol supplementation can help cure a variety of diseases.

Indications

Myo-inositol is indicated for a number of conditions, such as:

  • Metabolic Disorders
    • Diabetes and Diabetes-related nerve problems
    • Gestational Diabetes (GDM.) Intake of myo-inositol together with folic acid has been known to decrease the incidence of GDM from 92% to 60% in at-risk individuals.
    • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which is characterized by a failure to ovulate. It also comes with high blood pressure, testosterone and triglyceride levels. Myo-inositol is able to address PCOS, as well as other diabetic and metabolic disorders, by helping insulin to work better. At the same time, it is believed that it can balance certain chemicals in the body, thereby addressing the symptoms associated with the aforementioned mental health disorders.
    • Post-menopausal women diagnosed with Metabolic Syndrome. Intake of myo-inositol alongside alpha-lipoic acid is said to lower cholesterol, triglyceride, and blood pressure levels. It is also said to enhance the body’s insulin resistance.
  • Mental Health Disorders

The study of Shimon et al shows that people suffering from depression, compulsive disorder, and anxiety usually have lower inositol levels. Myo-inositol is able to affect the levels of dopamine and serotonin, both of which play big roles in regulating mood. As such, myo-inositol supplementation can help relieve the symptoms of the following mental health disorders:   

  • Depression
    • Alzheimer’s Disease
    • Autism
    • Schizophrenia
    • Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
    • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • Panic Disorder
    • Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
    • Anxiety Disorder
    • Trichotillomania (Compulsive Hair Pulling)
  • Hypertension
  • High triglyceride levels
  • Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in neonates. Apart from improving breathing, myo-inositol is said to reduce several risks, such as brain hemorrhage, blindness, even death.
  • Infertility in Men
  • Erectile Dysfunction

Apart from treating a bevy of conditions, Myo-inositol intake is known to prevent adverse medical conditions, such as the following, from occurring:

  • Cancer. Many studies have seen the benefits of Myo-inositol in preventing multiple forms of cancer. One is lung cancer, where a reduction in pre-cancerous lung markers were seen in 21 heavy smokers who were supplemented with Myo-inositol. Liver cancer too, was prevented, in a study of mice supplemented with Myo-inositol and carotenoids.
  • Heart Disease. People with metabolic syndrome, who can be cured with Myo-inositol, are at risk of developing heart disease. Consequently, supplementation of Myo-inositol has been deemed effective in reducing the risk of heart disease in the said population.
  • Neural Tube Defect (NTD) complication in pregnancy. NTDs such as spina bifida and anencephaly are brought about by many factors, including adequacy of maternal nutrition. While folic acid is known to prevent spinal NTDs, only Myo-inositol and other inositols are effective in preventing both cranial and spinal NTDs.
  • Side effect Psoriasis in Lithium users.  Psoriasis is a side effect of Lithium, which is prescribed to people with bipolar disorders. Improvements were seen in psoriatic patients taking Lithium, while no changes were observed in psoriatic patients not taking Lithium.

Dosage, Safety, and Side Effects

Myo-inositol is safe to take for adults, pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as children aged 5-12 years old. The dosages are as follows:

  • Gestational Diabetes. 2 grams of Myo-inositol with 200 mcg of folic acid twice a day.
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome. 4 grams of Myo-inositol and 400 mcg of folic acid for six months.
  • Pregnancy complications. 2 grams of Myo-inositol plus 200 mcg of folic acid twice a day during the first trimester of pregnancy.
  • Metabolic syndrome. 2 grams of Myo-inositol twice a day for one year.
  • Panic disorder. 12-18 grams of Myo-inositol per day.
  • Lithium-associated psoriasis. 6 grams Myo-inositol daily.
  • Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. 120-160 mg/kg of myo-inositol orally; 80-160 mg/kg of intravenous myo-inositol

Side effects of Myo-inositol include tiredness, stomach pain, nausea, dizziness, sleep problems, and headaches. This usually comes with an intake of 12 grams or more of Myo-inositol.

Myo-inositol is capable of lowering glucose levels, and as such, diabetics taking inositol should be wary of hypoglycemia symptoms, such as sweating, dizziness, shakiness, hunger, irritability, headache, and anxiety.

Myo-Inositol for Thyroid Health

As it has been stated above, supplementation with Myo-inositol brings a lot of benefits. Seemingly, its list of health miracles goes on, especially in the field of thyroid treatment.

Hashimoto’s Disease

Hashimoto’s Disease is an autoimmune dysfunction, meaning the body acts upon its own cells, tissues, and systems. In this case, the body attempts to destroy the thyroid gland. It can be caused by several factors, including hormones, genetics, excessive iodine intake, and radiation exposure. As a result, the body reverts to hypothyroidism, wherein there is an inability to produce the needed amount of thyroid hormones. Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, fertility problems, depression, joint and muscle pain, to name a few.

How Myo-inositol Works

The mechanism behind Myo-inositol’s wonderful feats is explained in the study of Fallahi et al, entitled “Myo-Inositol in Autoimmune Thyroiditis and Hypothyroidism.” The authors stated that Myo-inositol is a precursor for the phosophoinositide synthesis, thereby affecting many cellular activities. Myo-inositol affects the thyroid cells through Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) signaling, the dysregulation of which and other processes can result to autoimmunity – which is the case for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.

Another proof of Myo-inositol’s beneficial effects is seen in the study of Ferrari and her colleagues. Their study was able to show that Myo-inositol supplementation, alongside Selenium, is able to protect the thyroid cells. The research featured primary thyrocytes (thyroid cells) from euthyroid patients and individuals suffering from Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Samples from both groups were tainted with hydrogen peroxide. Apart from confirming the fact that hydrogen peroxide has a toxic effect to the thyrocytes, results showed that Myo-inositol and Selenium supplementation were effective in decreasing the release of substances that lead to autoimmune thyroiditis. With the said results, it was concluded that Myo-inositol is truly effective in protecting thyroid cells from harmful substances.

The Proof in Studies

Although autoimmune diseases are deemed incurable, the study of Norcio and Basciani, which was printed in the International Journal of Endocrinology, in 2017, disproves that. It showed that Myo-inositol can also treat patients with Hashimoto’s disease who present as sub-clinically hypothyroid. It featured 86 patients with the following parameters:

  • TSH levels between 3 to 6 mIU/L
  • Elevated Serum Antithyroid Peroxidase (TPOAb) and/or Antithyroglobulin (TgAB) levels
  • Normal Free Thyroxine and Free Triiodothyronine levels

The following participants were given 600 milligrams of Myo-inositol together with 85 micrograms of Selenium orally for 6 months. After the study, participants exhibited a decrease in TSH levels, from an average of 4.32 to 3.12. TgAB levels decreased from an average of 344.96 to 288.84 while TPOAb dropped to 620.38 from 720.67. With that being said, the authors generalized that apart from helping restore the patient’s euthyroid state, Myo-inositol and Selenium supplementation can help improve the person’s well-being as well.

Apart from treating hypothyroid patients with Hashimoto’s disease, Myo-inositol is also capable of curbing the development of overt hypothyroidism in euthyroid individuals diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease. The study conducted by Ferrari et al yet again featured 21 Caucasian patients, who were twice daily supplemented with Myo-inositol and Selenium at dosages of 600 milligrams and 83 milligrams respectively.

After a course of 6 months, the participants were evaluated and lab results showed that high TSH values and antithyroid auto-antibodies declined, thereby foretelling Myo-inositol’s ability to reduce the risk of hypothyroid progression in Hashimoto patients. As a bonus, CXCL10 levels lowered as well, which led the researchers to conclude that Myo-inositol and Selenium supplementation is able to modulate thyroid immunity too. 

Although both studies advocate Myo-inositol treatment for as long as 6 months, the study by Briguglia shows that antibody and hormone titers decline even after just 3 months of treatment. However, to ensure that the full effects of Myo-inositol are maximized, experts advise patients to continue with a full 6-month regimen.

Why Selenium?

As it has been seen in many of the aforementioned studies, Selenium is the supplement of choice that comes with Myo-inositol therapy – and it comes so with many valid reasons. For one, the thyroid gland has a high concentration of selenium bound to selenoproteins. It is incorporated in iodothyronine deiodinases, which is essential for the metabolism of thyroid hormones. Selenium is also known to have an anti-oxidative feature, as it helps remove free radicals generated during thyroid hormone production.

In fact, low selenium levels were known to increase one’s risk of developing an enlarged thyroid gland and thyroid nodules as well. These were seen in a Chinese study that compared low-selenium and adequate-selenium (through diet) counties. Those who belonged to low-selenium counties exhibited higher prevalence of thyroid diseases, such as subclinical hypothyroidism, hypothyroidism, and autoimmune thyroiditis, to name a few.

Given its many benefits, Selenium has been the supplement of choice, especially in treating Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. Numerous studies have shown that intake of Selenium is vital in decreasing the levels of TPOAb and TgAB, some even reaching normal levels.

Thyroid Nodules

Thyroid nodules refer to a lump of abnormal thyroid cells. It is a common condition that as much as 76% of people screened for thyroid disorders – especially females and the aged population – manifest with thyroid nodules. Although most are asymptomatic and benign, 7-15% of people with thyroid nodules end up with thyroid cancer – a condition which can be exacerbated with family history, sex, advanced age, and radiation exposure.

To determine if Myo-inositol was effective in decreasing the size of thyroid nodules, Nordio and Bascani explored its effects via ultrasound. A total of 34 patients were recruited, and those who supplemented with Myo-inositol and Selenium showed a reduction in the size, number, and elasticity of their thyroid nodules. As expected, their TSH levels decreased as well. Although the study was small in size, the data yielded was enough to warrant one of Myo-inositol’s many benefits on thyroid health.

The Bottomline

Given the many scientific evidences mentioned above, it is without a doubt that Myo-inositol can help cure thyroid disorders. Although it comes with minimal risks and side effects, Myo-inositol can interact with drugs that you are currently taking for your thyroid problem. With that being said, it is best to consult with your doctor prior to starting this regimen.

References:

Briguglia, G. (2018). Time-dependent efficacy of myo-inositol plus selenium in subclinical hypothyroidism. International Journal of Medical Device and Adjuvant Treatments,1(1). Retrieved December 13, 2018, from https://www.ijmdat.com/article/108.

Fallahi, P., Ferrari, S. M., Elia, G., Ragusa, F., Paparo, S. R., Caruso, C., . . . Antonnelli, A. (2018). Myo-inositol in autoimmune thyroiditis, and hypothyroidism. Reviews in Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders,1-6. Retrieved December 13, 2018, from https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11154-018-9477-9.

Ferrari, S. M., Elia, G., Ragusa, F., Paparo, S. R., Caruso, C., Benvenga, S., . . . Antonnelli, A. (2018). The protective effect of myo-inositol on human thyrocytes [Abstract]. Reviews in Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders. Retrieved December 13, 2018, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30511181.

Ferrari, S. M., Fallahi, P., Di Bari, F., Vita, R., & Antonnelli, A. (2017). Myo-inositol and selenium reduce the risk of developing overt hypothyroidism in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis. European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences,21(2), 36-42. Retrieved December 13, 2018, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28724175.

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments. (n.d.). Retrieved December 13, 2018, from https://www.webmd.com/women/hashimotos-thyroiditis-symptoms-causes-treatments#1

Inositol: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage, and Warning. (n.d.). Retrieved November 12, 2018, from https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-299/inositol

Meixner, M. (2018, August 15). Inositol: Benefits, Side Effects and Dosage. Retrieved November 12, 2018, from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/inositol

Nordio, M., & Basciani, S. (2017). Treatment with Myo-Inositol and Selenium Ensures Euthyroidism in Patients with Autoimmune Thyroiditis. International journal of endocrinology, 2017, 2549491.

Nordio, M., & Basciani, S. (2018). Evaluation of thyroid nodule characteristics in subclinical hypothyroid patients under a myo-inositol plus selenium treatment. European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences,22, 2153-2159. Retrieved December 13, 2018, from https://www.europeanreview.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2153-2159.pdf.

 Shimon, H., Agam, G., Belmaker, R. H., Hyde, T. M., & Kleinman, J. E. (1997). Reduced frontal cortex inositol levels in postmortem brain of suicide victims and patients with bipolar disorder. American Journal of Psychiatry,154(8), 1148-1150. doi:10.1176/ajp.154.8.1148

Ventura, M., Melo, M., & Carrilho, F. (2017). Selenium and Thyroid Disease: From Pathophysiology to Treatment. International journal of endocrinology, 2017, 1297658.

Can Bacopa Monnieri Benefit Your Thyroid?

Posted on by Thyroid Information

The thyroid gland influences almost all metabolic processes in the body through the hormones it produces. However, this gland is prone to various diseases or disorders that jeopardize patients’ health and quality of life. According to the American Thyroid Association, more than 12% of the US population will develop a thyroid condition at some point in their lives. It is estimated that 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease, and that 60% of people aren’t even aware of their condition.

The most common thyroid problems are associated with either excessive or insufficient production of thyroid hormones i.e. hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Nowadays, various herbs and plants are thought to have a beneficial impact on the thyroid gland, which is why supplements containing these ingredients are gaining popularity. Bacopa monnieri is one of these plants, but exactly does this plant help your thyroid?

Can Bacopa Monnieri Benefit Your Thyroid?

First, let’s get to know bacopa monnieri, also called brahmi a little bit better. It is a perennial plant native to the wetlands of southern and eastern India, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and North and South America. Bacopa is one of many herbs used in Ayurvedic medicine due to its potent health benefits. It was primarily used to address epilepsy, asthma, tumors and anemia.

Make sure not to confuse bacopa monnieri with gotu kola and other medicinal plants which can also, sometimes, be referred to as brahmi. In fact, bacopa goes by multiple names, which is why some people don’t even notice they’re taking a supplement containing this ingredient. Other names for bacopa monnieri include herb of grace, herpestis herb, herpestis monniera, hysope d’eau, Indian pennywort, jalanimba and water hyssop.

The primary reason why bacopa monnieri’s usage in medicinal purposes persisted for centuries is the fact that it acts as an adaptogen, meaning the plant helps your body adapt to new or stressful conditions.

Bacopa monnieri and your thyroid

Bacopa is associated with a wide array of health benefits, but what most people don’t know is that this powerful plant can also help improve the functionality of the thyroid gland; it addresses a problem called hypothyroidism.

What is hypothyroidism? Underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism is defined as a condition wherein the thyroid gland doesn’t produce sufficient amounts of important hormones. Women are more likely to develop this condition than men, and it affects individuals older than 60 primarily. Causes of hypothyroidism are numerous including autoimmune disease, hyperthyroidism treatment, medications, thyroid surgery, and many others.

Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism vary, and they depend on the severity of the hormone deficiency. The most common symptoms of include fatigue, increased sensitivity to cold, constipation, dry skin, puffy face, hoarseness, weight gain, impaired memory, depression, and muscle weakness. It is not uncommon for patients to experience higher blood cholesterol levels, muscle aches, thinning hair, slowed heart rate, heavier or irregular menstrual periods, and tenderness, pain, and stiffness in the joints.

How can bacopa help? It appears that the bacopa monnieri leaf extract has the potential to reverse the function of the thyroid gland in a bid to regulate hormone levels.  This is why bacoba is gaining popularity among those who prefer a natural approach towards health and wellbeing; they are starting to realize the plant can benefit the thyroid. That said; this subject is poorly studied. There is only one, but highly significant research on this subject, and its findings not only shed the light onto thyroid problems, but they also pave the way for future studies and the potential use of bacopa for hypothyroidism.

What did the study find?

This particular study was carried out by a group of researchers at the Devi Ahilya University in India. The primary objective was to analyze the impact of bacopa, aloe vera, and angle marmelos on the regulation of thyroid hormone concentrations. For the purpose of the research, scientists used male mice. Their findings, published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, showed that while other plants decreased the production of thyroid hormones, bacopa monnieri increased it.

Based on these results, the group of researchers concluded that bacopa monnieri has a thyroid-stimulating role. In fact, the effect of bacopa on thyroid hormones production wasn’t meager; the plant increased the concentration of T4 by 41% without enhancing hepatic lipid peroxidation. Here, T4 is a thyroid hormone called thyroxine. The results suggest that bacopa monnieri can be used as a thyroid-stimulating drug.

It’s important to mention that during the study, mice were given 50% ethanolic extract of bacopa at an oral dosage of 200mg/kg a day for 15 days.

Do bacopa monnieri supplements have side effects?

Generally, if you have hypothyroidism, you shouldn’t use supplements or any other forms of treatment without discussing it with your doctor. The ingredients in any supplement can interfere with the efficacy of your medications, and that’s a scenario you want to avoid.

Since bacopa monnieri is a plant and is usually included in dietary supplements made of natural ingredients, the risk of adverse effects is low. Of course, it is highly important that you take only the suggested dosage. Don’t increase or decrease the dose of the supplement out of your own accord.

If you want to consume organic bacopa monnieri i.e. in leaf form, then t things can be a bit tricky. At this point, when it comes to bacopa in its plant form, there is no standard dosage that a person should take to stimulate thyroid hormone production.

It is very important to point out the obvious fact that you shouldn’t take bacopa monnieri if you have hyperthyroidism as the plant could only aggravate your condition.

Other benefits of bacopa monnieri

Now that you know how bacopa monnieri can benefit the thyroid gland, let’s discuss some other benefits associated with this plant.

  • Brain health and cognitive abilities – active compounds in bacopa positively influence brain cells and support the regeneration of brain tissue. For instance, one study showed that bacopa has a tremendous potential to safely enhance cognitive performance in elderly participants
  • Liver health – bacopa is also useful for encouraging liver function following toxin damage
  • Addresses neonatal hypoglycemia – low blood sugar or hypoglycemia in newborn infants can lead to serious and immediate brain damage and other negative health outcomes. Active compounds from bacopa exhibit neuro-protecting effects in hypoglycemic babies
  • Promotes healthy blood pressure – bacopa increases the utilization of nitric oxide and encourages vascular muscle function. Both these factors are essential for healthy blood pressure
  • Antioxidant – antioxidants fight free radicals in order to protect our body from oxidative damage. Bacopa is known for its powerful antioxidant properties, which is yet another reason this plant is popular
  • Sexual function – bacopa monnieri is also used to treat sexual dysfunction and fertility problems. Due to the utilization of nitric oxide and the fact it promotes healthy blood flow, bacopa is a standard ingredient in male enhancement supplements that aim to help men have stronger and long-lasting erections

How to take bacopa monnieri

Although bacopa monnieri can be found in nature, most people find it easier to take it as a supplement. As mentioned above, if your doctor approves the use of bacopa monnieri, you should stick to the dosage he recommends. In most cases, the dose is 300mg. It is also possible for some patients to to get the plant in leaf or powder form, and the dose in that case is usually, 750-1500mg.

Back in time, bacopa was consumed with ghee which is a clarified butter that originated in India. This tradition was actually useful because bacopa is fat soluble, which means it needs a lipoid transporter in order to be fully absorbed by the body and exhibit its benefits.That’s why the right way to take bacopa is alongside a meal.

Tips to improve thyroid function

  • Eat cruciferous vegetables
  • Munch on Brazil nuts
  • Lower consumption of gluten
  • Increase intake of Omega-3 fatty acids, and foods containing iodine, selenium, zinc
  • Manage stress
  • Exercise regularly
  • Use sauna and heat to eliminate the stored toxins known for their negative impact on thyroid functionality
  • Decrease the consumption of soy products

Conclusion

The thyroid is an important gland which produces hormones that play a role in a wide array of metabolic processes. It is not uncommon for people to experience different thyroid problems, and besides following doctor-recommended medications, making certain lifestyle changes is a good way to manage that condition. Bacopa monnieri is well-known for its medicinal properties, which is why the plant plays a major role in Ayurvedic medicine. According to Thyroid Advisor and other studies, bacopa has the potential to increase the production of thyroid hormone and help individuals suffering from hypothyroidism.